Being bored isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when you notice that you get bored a lot when you’re trying to be productive, and it is leading to some unhealthy habits, that is when it can become a problem. These aren’t just activities that help boredom, but can be seen as being productive without doing your regular work. Here are 12 ideas to help you get over being bored and back to work!
1. Learn Something New
Just because you’re bored, doesn’t mean you have to just do nothing with your time. You can spend that time learning something new, which will keep you productive and help you in the future. Pick up a book to read, take a class, or learn something new. There are lots of short videos that you can watch on YouTube, but just be sure you pick a topic, or you will be going down the rabbit hole and never get back to work!
2. Create a New List
Take a few minutes to work on a new list, whether it is a new to-do list, list of things you want to explore, places you want to travel, or some new goals you have been thinking about. This can be for fun or for work, so don’t feel like it has to be related to your professional goals.
3. Listen to a Podcast
Why not listen to a podcast for a few minutes? There are many podcasts out there with something for everyone. You might find one that motivates you and makes you feel inspired or just entertains you for a few minutes before it is time to move on to the next task.
4. Write in a Journal
The benefits of journaling never seem to end, and curing boredom is a great one. With journaling, there are no rules, and you can just write whatever is on your mind. This makes it an easy activity to pick up at any time and bring with you wherever you go.
5. Go for a Walk
If you’re feeling a little bored or just low on energy, go outside and take a walk. The sunshine can help you feel more energized from the vitamin D, and you often think of more creative activities as you are out in nature. Sometimes a good walk, without talking on your phone, would be a wonderful way to get over being bored.
6. Review Your Goals
You can use this time to review the goals you already have, either crossing off tasks you have completed, or tweaking your goals if your plans have changed. I always have a to-do list written down on a notepad, so I can look it over to be sure I am staying on track of what I want to get done for the day. Doing so, stops me from just doing nothing and playing video games on my phone.
7. Clean Something
The next time you feel bored, consider getting up and cleaning something. Just have a short 10–15-minute rapid cleaning session, and you will feel so much better. Plus, this helps you have a cleaner home without spending your entire weekend doing it. Sometimes it’s the easiest way for your brain to work on a problem is while you clean.
8. Do Something with Your Hands
There are plenty of things you can do with your hands that help with boredom but also keep you from feeling like you wasted time, such as gardening or working on an art project. The next time you aren’t sure what to work on, think of something you can do with your hands. Having a hobby is always a good thing to have. Even if that hobby is nothing more than having a wonderful choice of books to read. Which leads into the next idea.
9. Read
Reading is a great activity, because it can be both entertaining, and educational. The great thing about reading is how accessible it is. You can read a physical book, go to the library, or just use your phone or tablet for an eBook. There are ways to get eBook’s for less than a dollar all the time, and not just on Amazon!
10. Be Creative
Doing something creative is ideal when you’re bored. Take a break from work and productivity for a minute and just let yourself channel your inner artist. Remember that creativity doesn’t mean you have to be artistic. It can mean creating anything you are interested in. Even if it’s just doing a little coloring in a fun coloring book.
11. Call Someone
Need time away from your computer? Step away and call a friend. This is a great time to call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, just to take a break and put your focus elsewhere. Who knows, maybe they are just as bored as you are! A little talk or even a get-together with a friend does wonders and stops you from being bored too!
12. Do Digital Decluttering
Lastly, this is a great time to do some digital decluttering, which you probably don’t get the motivation to do at any other time. Organize the files on your computer, backup the photos on your phone, and get all your digital files in order. I do this often, when I am looking for something, and it just leads to me moving files around so it’s easier to find what I was looking for in the first place!
There you go, 12 ways to help you stop being bored and getting back to work! Probably the best tips are ones that work if you are working from home. 😛 What you think? What did I leave out? What do you to stop being bored?
